Memaw’s Maxims: Southern Style Wit and Wisdom

In Memaw’s Maxims author James Turner keeps alive the century-old sayings and lifelong advice given to generations of students by his grandmother, a teacher from rural Tennessee. Homespun and traditional, but as relevant and crisp as ever, these antique words still serve as guiding beacons to a successful, happy, and productive life.

Don’t confuse the last word with the best word.

The cardinal is prettier than most birds, the mockingbird sings sweeter, and the owl sees better. None is superior to the other.

If you can’t be a beacon in the night, perhaps you can be a shade in the summer.

It’s OK to pat yourself on the back, but not to the point that you wear a hole in your shirt.

As demonstrated in Memaw’s Maxims, words can make that lasting difference, be it good or bad. A hero’s legacy is left by a person who speaks truth and encouragement into others’ lives, who pours energy into meaningful conversation, who selflessly devotes their time to counseling others. They don’t do anything to call attention to their life work and the sacrifices made along the way, but it’s these individuals–the mentors, the Memaws–who deserve our greatest praise. –KATIE SHANDS, author of Finding Franklin